Bluffton-Harrison names elementary tech teacher Jacob Amstutz Educator of the Year
By HOLLY GASKILL
As the technology teacher at Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School, Jacob Amstutz is known for many things — dressing up in silly costumes, playing pranks with his classes, and bringing the beats as “DJ Paws,” just to name a few.
But more importantly, Amstutz is known for his passion for educating children with selflessness, kindness and love.
On Wednesday, Amstutz was recognized as the Educator of the Year for the Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District for those exceptional characteristics.
Following the announcement, students lined the hallways to chant Amstutz’s name in congratulations. In the same way the students spoke of his energy and humor, they cheered him on with laughter and excitement.
“Mr. Amstutz is always looking and searching out new and inventive ideas to help kids,” said Principal Schlaura Linderwell. “He’s willing to help any child discover something new and willing to help any staff member in our building … We are very fortunate to have someone like Mr. Amstutz in our building.”
A graduate of Ball State University, Amstutz joined BHES first as a student teacher and, upon graduation, joined the school’s roster as the pioneer behind the school’s technology program. He is now in his 10th year at the school.
Because of Amstutz’s efforts, the technology program has been built to introduce aspects of keyboard skills, computer programming and digital citizenship to students of all ages. This past summer, Amstutz adapted the curriculum to introduce concepts behind 3-D printing, design, and problem solving after the BHMSD received a Purdue Mac-Lab grant.
“He’s grown this program from nothing to what it is today … His day-to-day approach to providing technology opportunities for our students is above and beyond anything we could have imagined when we first set out (to develop the program),” said Superintendent Brad Yates.
Throughout his innovative classes, Amstutz intertwines high-energy gimmicks and games that make for a one-of-a-kind experience. Tara Cocanower, last year’s BHMSD recipient and Indiana Educator of the Year, said meeting Amstutz for the first time immediately gave a picture of this dual nature.
“I met him as he cruised through the halls on his Razor scooter,” Cocanower said. “He only knew me as a new staff member in the middle school, and yet he couldn’t wait to share a new tech tool to enhance my class. That’s who he is — he’s a sharer of new things, a supporter of crazy ideas, and he empowers students and colleagues. If I were an elementary student, I’d save all my Tiger tickets for the DJ Paws’ dance party too!”
As a specials teacher for kindergarten through fourth grade, Amstutz teaches most students in the school at some point.
Ashton Boneff, a fifth-grade teacher, said because of this, almost every student has the opportunity to be encouraged by his kindness and joy. Thad Harter, a fourth grade teacher, also echoed this sentiment.
“I think he’s so incredibly selfless with his time and his energy,” Harter said. “He doesn’t have to invest as much as he does into his coworkers’ and students’ lives, but he does — and that makes a huge impact.”
Indicative of this selflessness, Amstutz accepted the honor with a posture of humbleness and thankfulness for the BHMSD. He stated his teaching has always been motivated by the desire to serve and teach with love.
“I don’t know that I do anything different (from other teachers), but I am a different individual,” Amstutz said. “I like to be a little silly with the students, let them know that I care about them and love them, and we are here to learn things, but we can do it in a fun way.”
Amstutz will be honored at the Wells County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on Feb. 27, alongside Educators of the Year from the Southern Wells Community Schools and Northern Wells Community Schools districts.
Wells County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Erin Prible said the event always aims to recognize the extraordinary ways local educators serve the county every day.
“At the Chamber of Commerce, we are always excited and thrilled to be able to honor our educators in our county every year,” Prible said. “This is a big deal because they give so much of their time, effort, and abilities. This is a fun way for us to recognize and appreciate what they do on a daily basis.”
At the event, the Chamber of Commerce will also recognize the 2023 Outstanding Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year.
holly@news-banner.com
